Transcript Highlights:

• by Representative LaFleur, Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights, certain rights of survivors, preservation

Bills: HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HR275 , HR276 , HR279 , HR282 , HR286 , HR289 , HR292 , HR295 , HR302 , HR319 , HCR112 , HR307 , SCR59 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR70 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR64 , SCR75 , HCR3 , HCR49 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HB1 , HB2 , HB42 , HB45 , HB66 , HB71 , HB79 , HB126 , HB133 , HB145 , HB159 , HB167 , HB213 , HB218 , HB222 , HB289 , HB291 , HB312 , HB313 , HB316 , HB324 , HB352 , HB383 , HB398 , HB403 , HB429 , HB457 , HB459 , HB511 , HB549 , HB571 , HB579 , HB591 , HB608 , HB616 , HB624 , HB766 , HB769 , HB783 , HB799 , HB804 , HB864 , HB874 , HB909 , HB951 , HB971 , HB983 , HB1005 , HB1017 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1095 , HB1126 , HB1129 , HB1186 , HB1193 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1230 , HB1235 , HB1249 , HB723 , HB36 , HB140 , HB181 , HB198 , HB205 , HB211 , HB226 , HB259 , HB271 , HB302 , HB335 , HB342 , HB487 , HB513 , HB623 , HB682 , HB730 , HB740 , HB761 , HB775 , HB797 , HB812 , HB816 , HB940 , HB968 , HB979 , HB1028 , HB1029 , HB1038 , HB1049 , HB1084 , HB1161 , HB1194 , HB1199 , HB1201 , HB1203 , HB1247 , HB1256 , SB25 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB228 , SB237 , SB250 , SB405 , SB406 , SB414 , SB433 , SB480 , SB513 , SB149 , HB359 , SB29 , SB43 , SB78 , HB210 , HB258 , HB468 , HB784 , HB134 , HB1117 , SB42 , SB274 , SB382 , SB449 , SB300 , HR74 , HB463 , HB715 , HB998 , SB80 , SB268 , SB444 , SB479 , HB901 , HR20 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB123 , HB74 , HB119 , HB368 , HB414 , HB552 , HB732 , HB776 , HB848 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1236 , SB208 , SB217 , SB283 , SB387 , SB389 , SB401 , SB408 , SB469

Keywords: oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding, taxpayer liability, public liability, offshore wells, onshore wells, coastal erosion, Department of Conservation and Energy, natural resources

Summary: The House met with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then received Senate messages, committee enrollment reports, and a series of House resolutions. Members adopted or advanced numerous resolutions recognizing individuals and institutions, expressing condolences, and creating or continuing study task forces on topics including homeownership assistance, speech-language pathology assistant licensure, clean water, Medicaid reporting, voter accessibility, air monitoring, fire chief operations, maternal health, and other issues. Several Senate resolutions were also concurred in, and personal privileges were used to recognize the family of Susan Ann Taylor Bidding and to commend Anita Whitaker LaFontaine and her father, Green Whitaker, Sr. The House then moved through Senate bills on final passage. Bills approved included measures on registrar of voters compensation, dental coverage related to cancer treatment, paid parental leave planning for educators, election supervisor compensation days, weight management services, nursing facility quality oversight, a Slidell hotel occupancy tax subject to voter approval, medical debt interest-rate limits, Medicaid coverage for weight-loss medications, a shrimping-related butterfly net exception, public works design-build contracting, and a municipal lead-service-line replacement measure. Some bills were temporarily returned to the calendar, including measures on water utility service lines and registrar compensation, while others passed with strong bipartisan margins. The chamber also considered Senate amendments to many House bills and concurrent resolutions. Members concurred in amendments on topics such as hospital stabilization, student loan access for certain professional degrees, rural economic development, behavioral health and school policies, retirement and compensation provisions, food labeling, climate-change litigation, school emergency plans, anti-cancer medication coverage, domestic abuse procedures, and several infrastructure and workforce measures. A few bills were rejected for further conference, including some retirement, alternative power, and AI-related provisions. The session ended with the House taking a one-hour recess for lunch, with instructions to return by 12:45.

Transcript Highlights:

• It concerns the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights, certain rights of survivors, and preservation

Bills: HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HR275 , HR276 , HR279 , HR282 , HR286 , HR289 , HR292 , HR295 , HR302 , HR319 , HCR112 , HR307 , SCR59 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR70 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR64 , SCR75 , HCR3 , HCR49 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HB1 , HB2 , HB42 , HB45 , HB66 , HB71 , HB79 , HB126 , HB133 , HB145 , HB159 , HB167 , HB213 , HB218 , HB222 , HB289 , HB291 , HB312 , HB313 , HB316 , HB324 , HB352 , HB383 , HB398 , HB403 , HB429 , HB457 , HB459 , HB511 , HB549 , HB571 , HB579 , HB591 , HB608 , HB616 , HB624 , HB766 , HB769 , HB783 , HB799 , HB804 , HB864 , HB874 , HB909 , HB951 , HB971 , HB983 , HB1005 , HB1017 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1095 , HB1126 , HB1129 , HB1186 , HB1193 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1230 , HB1235 , HB1249 , HB723 , HB36 , HB140 , HB181 , HB198 , HB205 , HB211 , HB226 , HB259 , HB271 , HB302 , HB335 , HB342 , HB487 , HB513 , HB623 , HB682 , HB730 , HB740 , HB761 , HB775 , HB797 , HB812 , HB816 , HB940 , HB968 , HB979 , HB1028 , HB1029 , HB1038 , HB1049 , HB1084 , HB1161 , HB1194 , HB1199 , HB1201 , HB1203 , HB1247 , HB1256 , SB25 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB228 , SB237 , SB250 , SB405 , SB406 , SB414 , SB433 , SB480 , SB513 , SB149 , HB359 , SB29 , SB43 , SB78 , HB210 , HB258 , HB468 , HB784 , HB134 , HB1117 , SB42 , SB274 , SB382 , SB449 , SB300 , HR74 , HB463 , HB715 , HB998 , SB80 , SB268 , SB444 , SB479 , HB901 , HR20 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB123 , HB74 , HB119 , HB368 , HB414 , HB552 , HB732 , HB776 , HB848 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1236 , SB208 , SB217 , SB283 , SB387 , SB389 , SB401 , SB408 , SB469

Keywords: oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding, taxpayer liability, public liability, offshore wells, onshore wells, coastal erosion, Department of Conservation and Energy, natural resources

Transcript Highlights:

• There were 58 bridges funded, 41 replacements, seven repairs, and preservation projects totaling 24,988,014
• In those four phases, we had 48 bridges, 39 replacements, and nine repair-preservation projects.
• <00:47:34.000><c> projects</c><00:47:34.960><c> totaling</c> preservation projects totaling preservation
• 48 bridges, 39 replacements, nine had 48 bridges, 39 replacements, nine repair<00:48:01.760><c> preservation
• </c><00:48:03.359><c> Total</c> repair preservation projects. Total repair preservation projects.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met with a quorum, approved the June 3, 2026 minutes, and then heard a presentation from Mike Proctor of Evolve Kentucky on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Proctor described Evolve Kentucky as a nonprofit formed in 2016 to promote EV adoption and charger deployment, said the group has helped place more than 135 chargers at 65 locations, and reported that Kentucky EV registrations have grown rapidly but still represent about 1% of the state’s roughly 3 million vehicles. He also outlined the group’s view that EV drivers and charger operators already contribute to state revenue through annual vehicle fees, charger taxes, utility taxes, and related business taxes, and cited figures showing rising revenue collections as EV adoption increases. A major theme of the presentation was that EV owners are paying their “fair share” rather than being overcharged. Proctor said the current $126 annual EV fee is roughly comparable to the fuel tax a typical gasoline vehicle would pay, and noted that public charging can add additional tax burdens for drivers who cannot charge at home, such as those living in apartments or condos. He also argued that EVs provide broader benefits, including lower noise and air pollution, grid-stabilizing nighttime charging, tourism spending at destination chargers, and reduced road wear for passenger EVs compared with much heavier vehicles. Members questioned Proctor about whether EV owners are paying more than their fair share, how the fee compares with gasoline taxes, and whether apartment and condo residents are disproportionately affected because they rely on public chargers. Proctor responded that the fee was intended to bring EV owners into parity with gas vehicles, not to overcharge them, and said some public chargers are free while others are used by drivers who cannot charge at home. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond the minutes approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill preserves consultation, referrals, and transfer protocols for care beyond the first trimester
• provide procedural abortion beyond the first trimester with physician consultation protocols, and preserves
• This bill helps preserve not just physical health, but also mental well-being and dignity at a very modest
• Preserving the use of biosimilars and generics and leaving utilization management fully in place where
• The state could consider options to preserve access while shifting governance toward public accountability

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It preserves local flexibility, and it creates consistency across jurisdictions, which is critically
• greater consistency and consideration of child care in the earlier stages of local planning while preserving
• CHC advocates for the production and preservation of housing that's affordable to low-income people,
• for park, ...as dedicated park land under our city charter, requiring that these lands be preserved
• These rules could include efforts to improve or preserve public health, safety, the environment, or water

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• soil, water resources, control and prevention of soil erosion, floods, stabilize ranching, farming, preserve
• natural resources, protect the tax base, control floods, prevent impairments of dams and reservoirs, preserve
• soil, water resources, control and prevention of soil erosion, floods, stabilize ranching, farming, preserve
• soil, water resources, control and prevention of soil erosion, floods, stabilize ranching, farming, preserve
• soil, water resources, control and prevention of soil erosion, floods, stabilize ranching, farming, preserve

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then third, the amendment offered by Senator Fenton reinforces existing law and preserves legislative
• It also preserves legislative intent to ensure that Senate Bill 590 remains a non-tax community power
• </c><00:16:06.880><c> legislative</c> existing law and preserves legislative existing law and preserves
• Um, it also preserves ambiguity.
• Um, it also preserves legislative<00:16:35.839><c> intent</c><00:16:36.639><c> uh</c><00:16:36.800><c

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if I know that this bill preserves local control and will not make it harder for municipalities to
• And if I know that this bill preserves local control and will not make it harder for municipalities to
• And if I know that this bill preserves local control and will not make it harder for municipalities to
• And if I know that this bill preserves local control and will not make it harder for municipalities to
• Voting stations are open for 30 seconds. this bill preserves local control and this bill preserves local

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It seems to me that the purpose of your bill is to permit depositions to take place to preserve someone's
• So the right to confrontation can still be preserved through cross examination during the deposition
• You're doing it to preserve someone's testimony.
• I had a very old client who was infirm, and I was trying to preserve it. So I understand.
• In the state of Texas, we... ...have preserved the grand jury proceeding to have a group of grand jurors

Bills: HB200

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living

Transcript Highlights:

• It seems to me that the purpose of your bill is to permit depositions to take place to preserve someone's
• So, the right to confrontation can still be preserved.
• In civil practice, you're doing it to preserve someone's testimony.
• I had a very old client who was infirm, and I'm trying to preserve it. So, I understand.
• Once we want to deliberate about this, turn off the recorder, stop typing, then you preserve whatever

Bills: HB285 , HB795 , HB1795 , HB1871 , HB2407 , HB2461 , HB2695 , HB3507 , HB4911 , HB200

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, aggravated assault, penal code, public servant, deadly weapon, mass shooting, Penal Code, penalties, felony, Texas Penal Code, felony enhancement, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, violent crime, assault punishment, serious bodily injury

Transcript Highlights:

• a potential claim and lawsuits so they may conduct their own internal investigation, collect and preserve
• rentable, and encourage people to ultimately, through lease option to buy, own those homes, and preserve
• ... ...through lease option to buy, own those homes, and preserve.
• So I applaud companies that are investing to preserve single-family residences.
• homes, and rent them, and then ultimately somebody would have an opportunity to buy those homes to preserve

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the most detailed discussion focused on AB 316, AB 251, AB 474, AB 1201, AB 464, and AB 614. AB 316 would prevent AI developers or deployers from arguing in civil cases that an AI system’s alleged autonomy absolves them of responsibility. Supporters framed it as a narrow guardrail to protect families, especially children, from harms like dangerous chatbots and deepfakes; opponents, including TechNet and the Chamber of Progress, raised concerns about possible strict-liability implications. The bill was moved out of committee to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 251 would let judges lower the burden of proof in elder abuse cases when a skilled nursing facility or RCFE intentionally destroys evidence. Supporters said the measure is needed because elder abuse victims are often unable to testify and records are vulnerable to spoliation, while opponents argued existing sanctions are sufficient and warned of more litigation. The bill passed, with committee members emphasizing the vulnerability of elder abuse victims. AB 474 sought to expand nonprofit home-sharing programs, including tax incentives for low-income homeowners and changes to housing law and lodger rules. Supporters said it would help older adults and low-income Californians avoid homelessness, but several members and the California Apartment Association raised concerns about removing lodger-law protections for homeowners; the author committed to keep working on the issue. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 1201 would give courts discretion to provide family reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions, rather than applying an automatic bypass. Supporters from Starting Over Inc. described personal experiences with permanent family separation and argued the bill would give parents a fair chance when the conviction is unrelated to child safety. Some members supported the measure but questioned whether domestic violence histories should be treated differently; the author said the bill still allows courts to deny services when reunification would endanger a child. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 464 addressed sexual abuse and retaliation in state prisons by extending reporting time after release, adding 90-day monitoring after reports, barring rehiring of confirmed abusers, and strengthening reporting and anti-retaliation rules. Survivors testified about abuse, retaliation, and failures in CDCR’s response; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 614 would standardize the Government Claims Act filing deadline at one year for all claims. The author and supporters argued the current six-month deadline for injury and wrongful death claims is too short for victims to learn the process, find counsel, and gather evidence, while businesses often get a full year. A civil rights attorney and a family member of a deceased jail detainee testified in support, describing how the current deadline can block meritorious claims. The bill was presented for committee consideration as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here in the Senate to take a stand and join me in prioritizing preservation over profits and opposing
• Barreto has played a central role in shaping policies aimed at balancing ecological preservation with
• He has been involved in initiatives to preserve critical habitats for species like bonefish and tarpon
• This is really important because as the minimum wage increases until 2026, this change will preserve
• And at some point in time, we have to find that again because that is the only way to preserve humanity

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions before taking up the special order calendar. The chamber first postponed CS/SB 80 on state land management, then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions when identical or nearly identical. Early actions included unanimous passage of HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, which directs DEP to develop a recycling and waste-diversion roadmap, and passage of CS/CS/SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking after amendments addressing out-of-service credits and former phosphate mine lands; that bill passed 35-3 after debate over possible constitutional concerns. The Senate also passed HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, adding a sentencing multiplier and a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, and HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, with $190,000 in nonrecurring implementation funds and a July 1, 2026 implementation date. The chamber then approved HB 1089 to add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, and HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to expand eligible mitigation projects, lower the approval threshold, and clarify ownership and reimbursement issues. Members discussed funding levels and whether insurance premium credits would be required, but the bill passed unanimously. The Senate also passed HB 1145 on workforce education, HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, and HB 181 on parole guidelines, all without recorded opposition. CS/CS/SB 976 on court-appointed psychologists also passed unanimously, as did HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, which broadened protections against non-consensual and digitally forged intimate images. Later, the Senate approved HB 1156 creating the Home Health Aid for Medically Fragile Children Program, after clarifying training requirements and hearing support that the measure would help families keep medically fragile children at home while compensating trained parents. The chamber also passed HB 1091 on substance abuse and mental health care, with an amendment allowing designated facilities to retain stabilized patients who still meet involuntary examination criteria. Throughout the day, senators used questions and debate to probe charter school governance in CS/CS/SB 822, which was substituted with HB 443 and amended to expand charter autonomy over conduct codes, enrollment, reporting, and facility use while maintaining sponsor oversight; that bill was placed on the calendar for third reading rather than voted on in the excerpt. Several other measures, including SB 716, SB 76, and the final SB 1252 item, were postponed or not reached before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he wanted to specifically speak about the preservation of our people and culture.
• </c><01:22:08.280><c> these</c><01:22:08.520><c> come</c> cultural and preservation these come cultural
• and preservation these come from<01:22:09.320><c> studies</c><01:22:10.239><c> okay</c><01:22:11.239
• c> population</c><01:22:21.120><c> our</c><01:22:21.440><c> culture</c><01:22:22.280><c> and</c> preserve
• our population our culture and preserve our population our culture and to<01:22:22.560><c> improve</

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 7, 2025, to hear testimony on several bills and later take up amendments and votes. HB 1405, HB 1406, and HB 1407 drew broad support from business, housing, utility, and development groups, with no opposition noted on those measures. Testifiers generally said the bills would streamline permitting, improve coordination, and expand support for chambers of commerce and small businesses. After recess, the chair recommended amendments to each bill, including changes to broaden eligibility, add reporting requirements, and include funding and staffing notes. HB 1405 was amended to allow certain projects with one state and one county permit to qualify, require annual DBEDT reports to the Legislature, and note one full-time position and $125,000 in funding; the committee voted to pass it with amendments. HB 1406 was amended to move the intergovernmental task force from DBEDT to the House Legislature, add a Speaker-appointed chair, and include a $125,000 appropriation note; it also passed with amendments. HB 1407 was amended to convert the chamber support from a grant process to an RFP process and require a 1-to-5 match on a $100,000 award; it too passed with amendments. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was adopted, with Representative Tam excused. The committee also heard HB 796, a tax-credit review bill, which drew no support and 12 opposition testimonies with three comments. Opponents, including SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued that automatic sunset provisions or broad tax-credit cuts would burden working families and that existing review mechanisms already exist under state law. The Department of Taxation and DBEDT offered technical comments, and the Tax Foundation suggested the bill’s goals might be better addressed by cleaning up the existing review process. Later, the committee heard HB 303, which had 17 supporters and no opposition. Testifiers from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Queen’s Health System, and the Hawaii State Chiropractors Association supported the measure, with the chiropractors asking to be included in eligibility. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing said the program had been successful for five years and had room to expand. HB 577 also drew support, with the Department of Taxation offering comments and the Tax Foundation noting technical issues. HB 949 generated mixed testimony: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce supported it, while Hawaii Children’s Action Network raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the lack of fiscal analysis; Sugar Creek Capital also supported the measure and clarified that the credit would not offset the GET. Finally, HB 933 and HB 959 were heard, with HB 933 receiving six support testimonies and comments focused on grocery tax relief and food insecurity, and HB 959 drawing strong support from labor and advocacy groups for its broad tax relief package, while the Tax Foundation and Hawaii Appleseed urged caution about the proposed 50% GET increase and asked for clearer fiscal analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, it preserves the ability to recover damages in situations involving intentional, willful, and criminal
• 209, clarifies legislative intent, protects consumers from inappropriate loss of use claims, and preserves

Committee: Senate Executive

Summary: The committee met in hybrid format, approved the minutes from June 24 and June 25, 2026, and then heard several bills and a resolution. On House Bill 382 with House Amendment 2, sponsored by Rep. Lynn and Sen. Hocker, the sponsor said the bill makes technical corrections to Delaware’s rental car and peer-to-peer car sharing laws after concerns raised following HB 209, clarifies when loss-of-use damages may be recovered, and preserves recovery for intentional, willful, or criminal conduct. Avis Budget Group and Enterprise Mobility supported the bill, while Allstate Insurance and Toro opposed it, arguing the measure could reintroduce unfair fees and leave too much discretion to rental companies; Sen. Townsend also said he wanted more clarity on how the bill would operate. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then considered House Bill 476, a Frederica charter change sponsored by Rep. Postals and Sen. Buckson. The bill would reduce town council meetings from twice monthly to once monthly and make ordinances effective immediately unless otherwise stated. Members asked why the Senate sponsor was absent and noted the bill requires a two-thirds vote, but no public comment was offered and no action was recorded. The committee also heard House Joint Resolution 13, sponsored by Sen. Sturgeon and Rep. Barry, which directs the Department of Labor to study a Delaware health care apprenticeship degree program to help address workforce shortages. The Delaware Health Care Association supported the resolution and urged coordination with existing workforce efforts; no opposition was presented and no vote was recorded. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 458 with House Amendment 1, sponsored by Rep. Lynn and Sen. Pardee, concerning backflow devices in low-hazard buildings. Sen. Pardee said the bill would exempt residences and office-type buildings from costly retrofits, while DHSS said the current regulation does not clearly define low-risk buildings and the bill’s list would not create immediate public health concerns until regulations are updated. The Delaware Association of Realtors supported the bill, saying the regulation is overly broad and expensive, while the Delaware Rural Water Association opposed it, warning that backflow prevention is important to protect aquifers and drinking water. The meeting ended with adjournment after public comment and no recorded votes in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation preserves carefully defined public safety exceptions for serious offenders and other
• Traffic enforcement is also preserved here.

Bills: HJR11 , HB59 , HB418 , HB342 , HB408 , HB409 , HB133 , HB134 , HB414 , HB355

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: HOPE Court, homeless court, housing instability, homelessness, poverty elimination, problem-solving court, community court, diversion program, criminal justice reform, reentry, warrants, fines and fees, low-level offenses, housing access, public safety, recidivism, Delaware Judiciary, DSHA, DHSS, DELJIS

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and heard presentations on several bills. House Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute 1 for House Bill 145 would restrict government use of reverse keyword searches, generally prohibiting reverse keyword court orders and voluntary requests, with a narrow exception for Class A violent felony investigations and rules on notice, deletion, and inadmissibility of unlawfully obtained evidence. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 368, with House Amendment 1, would limit Delaware law enforcement and the Department of Correction’s participation in federal civil immigration enforcement, especially regarding civil immigration warrants and detainers, while preserving exceptions for serious offenses and valid judicial processes; the Department of Correction said it had no operational or fiscal impact and supported the exclusions, and an ACLU-affiliated witness testified in support. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 427 would allow certain 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in hunting and target practice without direct adult supervision if they have parental permission, hunter education, and a valid Delaware hunting license. House Bill 355, the “Speak Your Truth Act,” would expand anti-SLAPP-style protections for survivors of sexual assault, discrimination, and harassment by raising the burden in defamation suits and allowing attorney’s fees and damages; advocates from the National Women’s Defense League and the Speak Your Truth movement supported it. House Bill 134 would increase penalties for repeat animal cruelty offenders and lengthen animal ownership bans. The committee also heard House Bill 133, as amended, which would create a hardship waiver process allowing courts to waive fines and fees for defendants who cannot afford them, while preserving restitution and exempting certain traffic-related penalties and victim compensation assessments. The administration said the bill is intended to address uncollectable debt and noted millions in outstanding fines and fees, while local government and police representatives raised concerns about lost revenue, administrative burden, and consistency; the Fines and Fees Justice Center supported the measure. Committee members asked about how the waiver funding would affect local governments, volunteer fire companies, and related fees, and the administration said the $5 million budgeted this year would cover the waiver costs and be treated as an annual expense going forward. No committee votes were taken during the excerpted discussion, but the chair indicated that bills ready for action would be circulated for signature or moved to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Capitol, and to provide relative to the Museum Research Center and expressing appreciation for the preservation
• relative to the Museum Research Center, and provide relative to expressing appreciation for the preservation

Bills: HR320 , HR321 , HR308 , HR309 , HR310 , HR311 , HR312 , HR313 , HR314 , HR315 , HR316 , HR317 , HR318 , HR319 , SCR65 , SCR74 , SCR76 , HR245 , SCR30 , SCR40 , HB1259 , SB4 , SB52 , SB57 , SB83 , SB145 , SB152 , SB194 , SB276 , SB319 , SB333 , SB448 , SB450 , SB465 , SB484 , SB501 , SB509 , HR73 , HR118 , HR144 , HR196 , HR237 , HR249 , HR260 , HR267 , HR272 , HR278 , HCR85 , HCR100 , HCR105 , HCR107 , HCR114 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR37 , SCR63 , HB62 , HB193 , HB210 , HB220 , HB246 , HB364 , HB420 , HB475 , HB584 , HB622 , HB772 , HB784 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1092 , HB1134 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB119 , HB129 , HB233 , HB283 , HB538 , HB789 , HB850 , HB870 , HB1236 , HB1241 , HB378 , HB509 , HB1090 , SB80 , SB131 , SB143 , SB251 , SB254 , SB279 , SB367 , SB384 , SB388 , SB389 , SB398 , SB408 , SB431 , SB468 , SB469 , SB496 , SB149 , HB463 , HB998 , SB123 , SB353 , SB479 , SB495 , SB82 , SB97 , SB283 , SB326 , SB518 , SB197 , SB268 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HR168 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB89 , HB74 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB956 , HB1117 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB78 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB379 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449

Keywords: Arsenal, Arsenal F.C., Premier League, English football, soccer, football club, Mikel Arteta, Emirates Stadium, North London, Tottenham Hotspur, Gunners, sports resolution, commendation, celebration, championship, silverware, Louisiana House Resolution, ceremonial resolution, domestic violence, forensic medical examinations

Summary: The House met with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then received a series of Senate messages, conference committee appointments, and enrolled bill reports. The chamber also noted Senate concurrence in several House concurrent resolutions and the adoption of conference reports, while multiple Senate bills and resolutions were signed by the Senate President. Senate Bill 480, dealing with butterfly bottom nets and vessel use/anchorage, was referred to the Natural Resources Committee without objection. Members introduced several House resolutions, including measures to commend Arsenal Football Club, recognize Pope Leo XIV and 4-H honoree Margaret Mimi Stoker, study forensic medical exam protocols for domestic violence survivors, create a task force on second-degree murder sentencing, review miscarriage and pregnancy-loss terminology, commemorate the 250th anniversary of New Orleans, and support the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Committee reports also moved forward bills on child welfare, water quality, scenic rivers, orphan wells, gravel mining reclamation, groundwater conservation, agricultural production, railroad hazards, and retirement system merger feasibility, along with resolutions on Pope Leo XIV and the LaMelle family. The House took up numerous Senate bills returned from the Legislative Bureau, adopting amendments and advancing many to third reading, including bills on health and welfare, education, insurance, and criminal justice. The chamber also reported favorably on resolutions condemning political violence and honoring public figures and organizations, and it scheduled several committee meetings for the following day, including Health and Welfare, Appropriations, Natural Resources, Civil Law, Transportation, and Ways and Means. The session ended with announcements about upcoming committee agendas and delegation meetings, and the House adjourned on motion to reconvene at 1:00 p.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you mean preemptive and being able to preserve free enterprise, then yes, I would agree with that.
• If you mean preemptive and being able to preserve free enterprise, then yes, I would agree with that.

Bills: HB3419 , HB3624 , HB3748 , HB4335

Committee: Senate Local and County Government

Keywords: corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law, public office, counties, property taxation, watercourse, boundaries, effective date, county government, administration, local resources, public institutions, construction, maintenance, animal welfare, pet shops, commercial breeders, county regulations

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee met and first took up House Bill 3419, which would prohibit officers, employees, or contractors of political subdivisions from using non-public information for personal gain, extending an existing restriction that already applies to state agencies. There were no questions or debate, and the bill passed unanimously, 8-0. The committee then considered House Bill 3748, allowing county commissioners to use county-owned equipment, labor, and supplies on property owned by a four-year institution. Senator Stewart asked whether the bill applied to public or private institutions, and the author said that point needed clarification and would be checked offline. With no further questions or debate, the bill passed 8-0. The final measure was House Bill 4335, a pet store bill that would prevent municipalities from banning retail pet stores and would extend a courtesy notice period for certain animal breeders and related entities from 60 to 90 days. The bill drew extensive questioning and debate over local control, animal welfare, Petland, shelter overcrowding, and whether the measure favored an out-of-state corporation. Supporters argued it protected free enterprise and legal businesses, while opponents said it preempted local authority and could worsen animal welfare concerns. The committee passed the bill 6-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ultimately, the group made recommendations to IDFG as far as which technologies to limit to preserve
• “Ultimately, the group made recommendations to IDFG as far as which technologies to limit to preserve

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That independence is essential to protecting and preserving our public trust, and essential to ensuring
• Today's State of the Judiciary is to highlight the important steps that California is taking to preserve

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That independence is essential to protecting and preserving our public trust, and essential to ensuring
• Today's State of the Judiciary is to highlight the important steps that California is taking to preserve

Summary: The Legislature convened in joint convention for the 2026 State of the Judiciary, escorting Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the Associate Justices to the rostrum and recognizing statewide constitutional officers in attendance. Legislative leaders welcomed the court and framed the address around the importance of judicial independence, equal justice, and the judiciary’s role in California’s democracy. Chief Justice Guerrero reported on several major judicial branch priorities. She emphasized rising threats to judges and court security, the need to extend authority for remote proceedings beyond its current sunset, and the ongoing implementation of the CARE Act in all 58 counties, including data on petitions, agreements, and plans. She also discussed trial court funding and persistent judgeship shortages, especially in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where congested calendars have led to case dismissals and heavy use of temporary assigned judges. The Chief Justice also addressed the judiciary’s response to artificial intelligence, including guidance on generative AI, deepfakes, and evidence issues, as well as concerns about federal immigration enforcement at courthouses and its effect on access to justice. She reviewed corrective actions after the February 2025 bar exam problems, including scoring adjustments, a return to in-person testing, and rule changes for attorney admissions. She closed by noting judicial salary concerns, the 100th anniversary of the Judicial Council, and the need for continued collaboration with the Governor and Legislature. No votes were taken. The joint convention ordered the State of the Judiciary address printed in the Journal as a separate appendix and then adjourned, with an invitation extended to a reception with the Chief Justice later that evening.